Abahani players rejoice their hattrick of Bangladesh League titles at the end of their match against Farashganj at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday. Photo: STAR

Abahani completed a hattrick of Bangladesh League titles when they handed a 4-0 defeat to Farashganj Sporting Club with a match in hand at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
Prolific striker Enamul Haque struck twice after Rajani Kanta Barman and Abul Hossain netted one apiece after the barren first half at the Big Bowl where approximately 2000 people turned up to watch the celebration as the Abahani fans brought band party to rejoice the triumph.
With the 22nd win in 23 matches, an unconquered Abahani took an unassailable lead with 67 points, nine clear of arch-rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club, who now have to be contend with a runners-up trophy for the third time in a row though they have two matches remaining against Chittagong Mohammedan and the incumbent champions.
It was the second hattrick of titles for Abahani at the top-level since their treble in the then First Division League from 1983 to 1985 and overall, it was their 14th league title.
Before the match the Dhanmondi-based outfit needed only a single point against a youthful Farashganj to ensure the prestigious title and the nature of the game indicated that the match was heading for a dull draw. But Abahani got an unexpected goal in the 60th minute after two efforts by Enamul and Sheriff Deen Mohammad struck the bar in the initial moments of the second half.
Defender Rajani Kanta Barman whipped in a cross from the right and defender Mahfuzur Rahman's clearance found the back of his own net with a deflection from a teammate. But referee Abdul Hannan Miron awarded the goal to Rajani.
After that Abahani toyed with Farashganj as they added three more goals.
Substitute Abul tapped in Enamul's cross home in the 77th minute and the provider turned scorer as Abahani's national striker struck twice in the 79th and 87th minutes respectively to raise his goal tally to 21, three more than rival Zahid Hasan Emily.
Captain Biplob Bhattacharjee was ecstatic after leading the side to the glory and gave all the credit to the players' determination.
"It is a big achievement in my football career as I led Abahani to a hattrick of titles after 25 years," said the experienced goalkeeper.
"After the draw against Mohammedan in the last match of the first leg, we were confident to win the league with a four-point lead as the players were committed to present the professional league title to the club after going down in the Federation Cup final to Mohammedan," said Biplob who, however, believed that there was a big difference among the title contenders and the lightweights.
Nevertheless, striker Enamul was an architect behind Abahani's success as the long-haired striker proved himself with 21 goals from 23 matches. It also proved that the Abahani officials did not make a mistake of choosing him in place of Emily, who joined rivals Mohammedan from Abahani.
"I am happy after having contributed something in Abahahi's treble triumph and it was only possible because of the fantastic support from my teammates on the field," said Enamul, who is almost on the verge of winning the golden boot as Emily have 18 goals with two matches in hand.
"I struck 12 goals last season for Farashganj and my target was to increase that tally this season," Enamul said. "I am confident of scoring against Mohammedan and confirm the golden boot."
Manager Satyajit Das Rupu said that they had targeted the hattrick before the start of the transfers and roped in some good players after retaining the services of some of their old players.
"We motivated the players from the beginning and always remained besides them throughout the league. We did not stop the training camp during the breaks and that kept the players fit for the season," explained the former national booter.
Rajani, who is in his first season with the Sky Blues, also praised the management, something that their cross-town rivals lacked.
"I had a dream to play for Abahani and win the league and it came true today. I am now a proud member of Abahani, Mohammedan, Brothers Union and Muktijoddha Sangsad's league winning squads," said Rajani, who last season played for Mohammedan.